‘Never knew he was dangerous’: Rijiju on Naseeruddin Shah’s ‘dimagi naxal’ remark
Union minister Kiren Rijiju publicly criticized actor Naseeruddin Shah after the actor identified himself as a 'dimagi naxal' in a social media video. The exchange highlights growing tensions between the Indian government and public figures who support student-led protests.
Why it matters
The rhetoric reflects the deepening polarization in Indian political discourse regarding dissent and the definition of anti-national sentiment.
NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday hit back at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah after he reportedly described himself as a “dimagi naxal” and part of the “tukde-tukde gang” in a video shared on social media.“I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect & like him.. I never knew that he was a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal!” Rijiju wrote on X.The minister added in Hindi that he had learnt about Shah’s “real character” very late and described him as extremely harmful to Indian democracy.The controversy follows Shah’s vocal support for student movements and protests, including demonstrations linked to Jamia Millia Islamia and gatherings at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, as well as…
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